Blog

I Get By With A Little Help From My Artist Friends

The life of an artist/author is hard, for the most part. It’s a struggle that goes on and on, as you try to devise new ways of getting known, of getting your name and your art out there in the world as something real, tangible, worthy of praise.

For those who’ve made it, I commend you. I look up to you all as reasons to continue on, to keep writing, to keep on fighting and believing in the dream of one day being a full-time author. You’ve never truly failed until you’ve given up, after all.

For those who haven’t yet made it, don’t give up. Maybe your ship is on its way, and it’s only by visiting the port every day that you will see it in all its glory one morning, sailing in with the promise of an easier ride.

Artist/Author is a tough gig

The struggle is always worth it, because it is what makes you tougher, stronger, and more ready to face adversity. I think everyone should struggle, one way or another, to cut their teeth at something, and become better in their art.

There are times, however, where we need a helping hand, and I believe in artists helping artists. Since I’ve decided to become a writer, I’ve befriended many in the profession. I’ve also gotten to know artists from all walks of life. All these people are at different levels in their careers. I look up to all of them, for they all teach me something and bring me friendship that I am grateful for.

The ‘Why’ of the thing

What can I do, then, to help my fellow artists? For me, it’s as simple as re-posting what they put up on social media. Amplifying the signal, for me, means that what they have spent their precious time doing gets to be seen by more pairs of eyes, and potentially bought.

Whether it’s for an upcoming vernissage, a book launch, web comic, etc., going the traditional route of boosting posts costs money. My sharing their posts saves them that hard-earned cash, and the more people do it, the better it is, in the end, for them. This, on top of the exposure they get through social media.

I do this for all my friends, without fail, because I want to see them succeed, or I want them to reach an even higher level of success.

It’s not just common courtesy. I think it’s showing your fellow artists that you believe in what they do, that you appreciate what they are going through, and you’re willing to give them a hand in their endeavors. After all, isn’t that what friendship is about?